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Androgynous models: a fashion statement or publicity stunt?

With gender fluid models increasingly featuring on the catwalk and in the headlines, it is possible that society is evolving and becoming more accepting of alternative individuals. Others disagree, believing that designers simply seek new ways to get the media’s attention. My article challenges the motives behind the inclusion of androgynous models in mainstream fashion, using interviews with an androgynous model, fashion designer and the expert opinion of a PR professional. I will support this with quality research, ensuring that this diversity and gender exploration provokes a real reaction from Andromode readers. 

- 100 word synopsis 

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Some Editorials For Inspiration

I have collated a selection of editorials that inspire me because of their layout - the composition of the pictures and text. 

Some ideas I am playing with at the minute for 'Andromode' are using lots of white space, having a very geometric structure and also using the occasional double page spread for a photograph with perhaps text layered over the top. 

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Fearless Photoshoot - Explained

My second shoot was based on the rebellion of an androgynous figure against gender norms, and I wanted to photograph a sort of feud or battle between the two. 

The location was a Victorian park with old trees, a lake and various ornaments and statues as I wanted the theme to be quite gothic. 

Styling was again gothic on the androgynous side of the shoot, with the model wearing a long black cape and thick boots to symbolise their power, along with no-nonsense slicked back hair and darkened eyes. My other model was dressed in 'societal gender norms' with flowing blonde hair, light, pink make up, a feminine dress and cute, girly shoes. 

Whilst photographing the shoot I tried to demonstrate that no matter what 'society' did to the androgynous figure, it did not matter because they were fearless and powerful enough to lead their own way of life. 

As for editing, I tried to keep the gothic theme flowing with a combination of darker, eerie coloured photographs as well as creating a creepy black and white effect by making the images slightly grainy, blurred or contrasted. 

In honesty, this shoot was difficult for me as I am not a confident photographer and found the location and lighting hard to work with. I am also not the best photograph editor so I wish I could have gotten a better, more eerie look from the images. However, there are still some good images that convey my message. 

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Unity Photoshoot - Explained

For this shoot my aim was to photograph two individuals in an androgynous take on The Kooples.

I photographed them against some 'classic' looking backdrops in natural lighting to emulate the look of The Kooples' campaigns, such as some green bricks, tiling, old brickwork, a warehouse door and shutters.

As far as styling went, I wanted the look to be a simplistic copy of each other and opted for white shirts, an overcoat and dark trousers. I tried to emphasise the natural face and to have an overall traditional look to contrast with the diverse topic of my project. 

In the photographs, I made a point that the models would always be touching, either by holding hands, being back to back, or side by side, to represent unity in support of androgyny and against gender norms. This is always where the idea of a couple fits in. 

For editing, I decided to stick with the traditional aesthetic and opt for black and white, which is also another contrast, much like the contrast between androgyny and gender norms again. 

Overall, the shoot went fairly well but a last minute change of model affected my ideal styling of the shoot, and the weather conditions were also not ideal. Nevertheless, I am pleased with the result. 

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Battle Coat…? 

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Dapper Dame

File under: Overcoats, Suits, Loafers, Women, Androgyny

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Pat Dudek by Aleksandra Voy

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Mateusz Maga, androgynous contestant of polish Top Model, 2014

Photos by Robert Wolanski (via Top Model TVN)

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A preview from my second shoot - Fearless - again focused on androgyny, in particular the revolt of the androgynous dresser against society's vision of femininity. 

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A preview image from Unity - my androgyny photoshoot in the style of The Kooples. More details to follow - enjoy! 

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The Kooples - Devendra & Ana

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Moodboard

Article on fashion designers' use of androgynous models.